Brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the largest predator inhabiting the territory of Ukraine and the only representative of the bear family in the country's fauna. Once this species was widely distributed throughout the state, inhabiting forest and partially steppe zones. Today, its range has catastrophically shrunk, and the species is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine with the conservation status \"extinct\". Habitat Range and Population Size Currently, the main population of the brown bear in Ukraine is concentrated in the Carpathian region. It is here that the overwhelming majority of individuals live — estimates vary from 300 to 350 animals. The highest concentration of bears is observed in the Zakarpattia and Ivano-Frankivsk regions, where up to 200 individuals are counted. Smaller populations have been preserved in the Lviv and Chernivtsi regions. Bears are encountered much less frequently — as isolated cases — in the Polesie, particularly in the Kyiv and Sumy regions. In 2025, camera traps at the Chernobyl Nature Reserve captured an adult brown bear, indicating the gradual restoration of biodiversity in this exclusion zone. History of Population Decline The situation with the brown bear in Ukraine is causing serious concern among ecologists and conservation organizations. Over the past 50 years, the population size of the species has decreased by approximately four times — from about 1300 individuals to the current 300–350. The main reasons for such a catastrophic decline in population are: Fragmentation of the habitat — active road construction, expansion of settlements, and deforestation divide natural territories into isolated sections, hindering the free movement of animals. Poaching — illegal shooting remains a serious threat, especially in border regions. Depletion of the food base — intensive forest exploitation and recreational load deprive bears of their natural food sources. Disturbance fa ... Read more